Your character matters: teaching kids through stories

I love stories. Maybe it’s because Jesus often used them to teach, but I believe stories carry a power that lectures never quite reach. Stories spark imagination, open hearts, and invite lessons to sink in deeply. They stick.

That’s why storytelling is one of the most important tools we can give our children. When we share a story—whether it’s from our own childhood, someone we know, or even a fictional example—they learn in ways they wouldn’t if we were just “telling them what to do.” They listen differently, absorb differently, and remember differently.

A real-life moment from co-op

Just last week, our Christian homeschool co-op had an incident that led to an incident report being sent home. Some kids were genuinely involved, others were just nearby, but everyone in the group received the same consequence.

My daughter, who notices everything, jumped into the car and immediately started telling me how unfair it felt. “They weren’t even part of it, Mom! They were just standing nearby, but they got grouped in.”

I listened, and then I offered a new perspective: sometimes teachers don’t see every detail. When we aren’t sure, we have to go with what we do know—like who’s usually involved, who’s in the group of friends, and what past behavior has looked like.

That conversation opened the door to something much bigger: people learn what to believe about you based on your choices and character over time.

Track record matters

Later that week, another story came up. My daughter’s teacher couldn’t find one of her homework sheets. Instead of assuming she didn’t do it, the teacher said, “It’s okay. I know you always turn in your work on time. This one time isn’t a big deal.”

Why? Because her track record spoke for itself. Consistency builds trust.

And isn’t that the truth for all of us? Our kids need to know that their daily choices—their honesty, their consistency, the way they treat others—add up to a reputation that either builds trust or chips away at it.

Not perfection, but consistency

Here’s the good news: none of us are perfect. We don’t need to teach our kids that perfection is the goal. What matters is a consistent pattern of character, integrity, and growth.

When we help our children see that their choices matter—not just in the moment, but in how people come to trust and rely on them—we’re setting them up for a life where God can use them powerfully.

When people trust your character, they trust your words. And when God puts words in your mouth, He can use you to spread His kingdom, whether on a big platform or in quiet everyday moments.

Try this with your kids

This week, I encourage you to share a story with your kids—not a lecture, but a story. Tell them about a time your choices shaped how people saw you, or a time you had to rebuild trust. Then talk about how character matters more than perfection.

Because one day, it won’t just be about whether they “stayed out of trouble” or “finished their homework.” It will be about whether they are people others can trust—people God can use.